Jonathan Death Hoax Debunked, Tortoise Confirmed Alive
An X account falsely announced Jonathan's death on April 1, 2026, and reportedly solicited crypto donations, while St Helena officials and his veterinarian confirmed the tortoise remains alive.
CNETIt Was a Hoax: Jonathan, the World's Oldest Tortoise, Is Still 'Alive and Well'
ABC NewsWorld's oldest tortoise very much alive despite death rumors
IFL ScienceJonathan The Tortoise, The World's Oldest Known Land Animal, Confirmed Alive After Viral Celebrity Death Hoax
Daily BeastWorld’s Oldest Land Animal Still Alive After Viral Hoax
Overview
An X account impersonating Jonathan’s veterinarian posted a death notice on April 1, 2026, but the real veterinarian and St Helena officials said the message was a hoax and Jonathan is alive.
The fake post amassed nearly 2 million views and prompted multiple newsrooms to publish obituaries and then issue corrections.
Joe Hollins said he does not have an X account and said the impostor appeared to be asking for cryptocurrency donations, which he described as a con.
Guinness World Records lists Jonathan as the oldest living land animal, and caretakers said he was brought to St Helena in 1882 and is believed to have hatched around 1832, making him roughly 193 to 194 years old.
The St Helena government posted a photo of Jonathan at Plantation House to confirm he remains alive, and it is unclear whether any cryptocurrency donations were made in connection with the hoax.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a misinformation/crypto-fraud incident by emphasizing the fake X account, labeling the claim a 'hoax' or 'spurious', and highlighting widespread corrections. Editorial emphasis on potential crypto-donation motives and FBI fraud statistics steers readers toward distrust of social media, while direct quotes about motive remain source content.